Lorain County Court of Common Pleas, Ohio
Court-Level Rules, Filing Procedures & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Adjournments
- Continuances require good cause; pending motions do not constitute good cause unless the Court authorizes otherwise, and mediation must be schedulable before the final pretrial.
- Jury service may be postponed under the cited statutes; commissioners may defer service to a certain week if it is completed within the juror’s one-year term, and deferral requests must be written or recorded and retained.
- The court may modify the stated time periods, page limitations, and whether reply briefs are permitted for good cause, on either party’s written application or on its own motion.
- +5 more
Request must include
Document Format Requirements12 rules
All exhibits shall be marked with an appropriate exhibit sticker, using numbers for plaintiffs and letters for defendants.
Pleadings, motions, and other filings must use the specified language, paper, printing, spacing, font-size, and top-of-page requirements, subject to stylistically appropriate variation for spacing and font size.
- Line spacing
- Double
- Margins
- Top 2 inches
- Paper size
- Letter
Formatting
- •Typed documents must use a font size from 12 to 14 points
Court's wording
(A) Paper, Spacing and Font: All pleadings, motions, and other filings, e-filed or otherwise, must be in English, typewritten, or legibly printed on letter sized (8½" x 11") white paper and single sided only. Typed documents must be double-spaced with a minimum 12-point font and a maximum 14-point font. Each page submitted must be spaced two (2) inches from the top of the page for time stamping. Where stylistically appropriate, such as in block quotations and in footnotes, the spacing and font size may vary from this standard.
E-filed documents may be submitted as PDFs, but proposed orders or entries must use the court-specified format or, absent one, a Microsoft Word Compatible format.
Court's wording
All e-filed documents, pleadings, and papers can be filed with the clerk in PDF format, except for proposed orders/proposed entries. Proposed orders/entries shall be submitted in a format specified by the court. If there is no format specified by the court, then proposed orders/entries shall be submitted in a Microsoft Word Compatible format.
Only one document is permitted to be filed by e-filing. Multiple exhibits or appendices are not considered separate documents under this rule.
A filed document shall not contain links to other documents or references to the CMS, unless they are incorporated into the filed documents. External links are prohibited.
E-filed document size is limited to 70 megabytes (70 MB).
Formatting
- •E-filed documents are limited to 70 megabytes (70 MB)
The title or caption of a document entered into the e-filing system shall match the title or caption noted on the document itself.
Documents requiring an original signature, such as an affidavit or other notarized documents shall be e-filed in a .pdf format.
- File type
Any exhibit, transcript, or other documents that may not be comprehensibly viewed in PDF format shall be submitted in their physical form with the court.
The Clerk of Courts shall not accept filings that include double-sided pages, carbon paper, or inadequate margins or space to affix the Judge’s signature.
Formatting
- •Filings must not include double-sided pages or carbon paper
- •Filings must have adequate margins and space to affix the Judge’s signature
The jury questionnaire must be a single document, use language understandable to someone unfamiliar with legal and jury systems, and be organized to facilitate quick and accurate screening.
- Jury questionnaire
Formatting
- •Phrase and organize it to facilitate quick and accurate screening
Court's wording
The questionnaire is designed to elicit essential information regarding the potential juror and shall be combined in a single document, phrased so as to be readily understood by an individual unfamiliar with the legal and jury systems. The jury questionnaire shall be phrased and organized so as to facilitate quick and accurate screening.
All electronically filed documents shall, to the extent practicable, be formatted in accordance with applicable rules governing formatting of paper pleadings and in other formats the court may require.
Document Filing Requirements64 rules
If the parties believe that confidentiality beyond the scope of the privilege is necessary, then the parties shall effect a written confidentiality agreement prior to the mediation.
The referring attorney prepares the Motion and Proposed Order for Referral to Mediation.
- Document
- Motion
Include
- •Proposed order
The referring attorney obtains the signatures or telephone consents of all other attorneys and parties who are not represented by counsel for the Motion.
The referring attorney files the Motion and proposed Order with the Court for consideration and sends a copy of both to the Mediation Office.
- Document
- Motion
Include
- •Proposed order
No bill for any transcript ordered by a judge shall be approved unless it bears a certificate by the court reporter and that the charge is fair and in conformity with law.
Every transcript of proceedings filed in this court shall bear the name, address and telephone number of the court reporter preparing it.
The summons shall identify how and when the recipient must respond and the consequences of a failure to respond to the questionnaire.
(C) Filing Party Information: All filings must include the filing party’s name, address, telephone number, and email address.
(B) Case Caption: All filings must comply with Civ.R. 10.
- Document
- Filing
- Placement
- Caption
(D) Change of Address: Self-represented parties or counsel of record must file any notice of change of address with the clerk of courts.
A Case Designation Sheet shall be filed by counsel with every complaint, which form may be obtained from the clerk of courts.
A person claiming indigency must submit an in forma pauperis application and a supporting affidavit stating why costs cannot be prepaid.
Court's wording
(C) In the event of claimed indigency, the indigent person shall file an application to proceed in forma pauperis, accompanied by a supporting affidavit. The affidavit shall state the reasons for the inability to prepay costs and is subject to court review at any stage of the proceedings, as set forth in ORC 2323.311.
If the filing party is an attorney, the filing must also include the attorney’s Ohio Supreme Court registration number.
Proposed orders/entries shall refer to the specific motion to which it applies.
A required attorney or filing-party signature on an e-filed document must use a conformed “/s/ [name]” signature; the stated attorney signature format includes the listed identifying and contact information.
Court's wording
E-filed documents that require the signature of the attorney or filing party shall be signed with a conformed signature of “/s/ [name].” The correct format for an attorney’s conformed signature is as follows: /s/Attorney Name Attorney Name Bar Number 1234567 Attorney for [Plaintiff/Defendant] XYZ Corporation ABC Law Firm Address Telephone E-mail address
The filer must keep the signed original available for production on court request until the case is closed, the applicable appeal process has concluded, and all opportunities for post-judgment relief are exhausted.
Court's wording
The filer shall maintain the signed document in the filer’s records and have it available for production upon request of the court. The signed document shall be maintained until the case is closed and the time for appeal has expired or the appeals have been heard or denied and all opportunities for post judgment relief are exhausted. It is the filer’s responsibility to maintain the document.
For a document requiring multiple signatures, the filer must confirm agreement to its content, indicate the other signatories’ agreement in the document, and e-file it identifying those signatories.
Court's wording
When a stipulation or other document requires two or more signatures, the filer shall: 1. Confirm that the content of the document is acceptable to all persons required to sign the document. 2. Indicate the agreement of other counsel or parties at the appropriate place in the document, usually on the signature line; and 3. E-File the document, indicating the signatories, e.g., /s/ Jane Doe, /s/ John Smith, etc.
Documents requiring or requesting Clerk service must include service instructions identifying the parties, their addresses, and the service method; use “unknown” when an address is unknown.
Court's wording
For all documents that require service by the clerk or documents for which a party is requesting that service be made by the clerk, instructions for service shall be included. The clerk shall not accept instructions for service that do not designate the names and addresses of the parties to be served and method to be served. If the address of the party to be served is unknown, the filer shall substitute “unknown.”
The caption of an original complaint, counterclaim, crossclaim, or third-party complaint must include the parties’ addresses, using “unknown” for any unknown address.
- Document
- Original complaint counterclaim crossclaim third party complaint
- Placement
- Caption
Court's wording
Upon filing the original complaint or any counterclaim, crossclaim, or third-party complaint, in addition to the Instructions for Service required by this Order, the filer shall include the address of the plaintiff(s) and defendant(s) in the caption of the document. If the address of any plaintiff or defendant is unknown, the filer shall substitute “unknown” for the address in the caption.
When a civil forfeiture matter relates to a pending criminal case, the party seeking forfeiture must inform the Court and file a motion to transfer.
Court's wording
Civil Forfeiture: Civil forfeiture cases shall be assigned or transferred to the Judge presiding over any related criminal case. The party seeking forfeiture shall inform the Court and file a motion to transfer whenever the underlying civil matter relates to any pending criminal case, as set forth in ORC 2981.05.
All motions shall be accompanied by a brief stating the grounds thereof and citing the authorities relied upon.
For a case refiled after dismissal, the attorney or party must identify the refiling on the case designation sheet, and counsel must provide the prior case number and assigned judge; cases beyond Civil Rule 41’s guidelines are excluded from this rule.
Court's wording
Refiling: When a previously dismissed case is refiled, the attorney or party shall indicate so on the case designation sheet. Counsel shall also state that the case is a refiling of a prior case and include both the prior case number and assigned Judge. The Clerk of Courts shall assign the refiled case to the Judge assigned at the time of the original dismissal. Any case filed beyond the guidelines established by Civil Rule 41 is a new action not subject to this rule.
A motion for consolidation involving pending actions with a common question of law or fact must be filed in each case to be consolidated.
Court's wording
Consolidation: Pursuant to Civil Rule 42, when actions involving a common question of law or fact are pending, upon motion by any party, a motion for consolidation shall be filed with the court in each case to be consolidated. If the motion is granted, the cases shall be consolidated and go forward under the lowest case number.
All parties must file a joint statement at least seven days before the final pretrial addressing agreed and disputed facts and issues, jury instructions, settlement positions, witnesses, anticipated legal or evidentiary problems and motions, trial length, and equipment needs.
- Document
- Joint pretrial statement
Must include
- •Statement of facts
Court's wording
All parties shall file a joint statement at least seven (7) days prior to the final pre-trial, setting forth the following: (1) Statement of agreed facts and issues, with disputed facts and issues of law noted. (2) Jury instructions, including a list of non-OJI contemplated by any party. (3) Plaintiff’s demand and Defendant’s offer. (4) List of expert and non-expert witnesses. (5) Legal or evidentiary problems anticipated. (6) Estimated length of trial. (7) Each party’s anticipated pre-trial motions. (8) Equipment needs for trial.
Original evidentiary materials as permitted by Civ.R. 56(C) shall be filed with the clerk of courts with the original motion.
All parties are required to submit a trial witness list, including the full name and address of all witnesses expected to testify at the trial on their behalf, no later than fourteen (14) days prior to the final pre-trial, unless otherwise specified by the judge to whom the case is assigned.
(B) Dispositive Motion Packet: When applicable, all of the following shall be submitted to the Lorain County Clerk of Courts contemporaneous with the filing of a Motion for Default Judgment, Motion for Summary Judgment, or other dispositive motion:
In the specified real-property actions, the party seeking quiet title, partition, or judicial sale must procure and file a judicial report with the clerk, with a guarantee amount equal to the greater of the stated valuation or lien amount; noncompliance may result in dismissal.
Court's wording
(A) Judicial Reports: In actions to quiet title, partition and for marshaling and foreclosure of liens on real property, the party seeking the quiet title, partition or judicial sale of property shall procure and file with the clerk. The guarantee amount on the report shall be either the fair market value of the property based upon the county auditor value or the principal balance of the mortgage, including any deferred amounts or other lien being foreclosed, whichever is greater. Failure to comply with this rule may result in dismissal of the action.
If a probate estate is open or has been opened for the deceased, a copy of the will, if any, and the next of kin form must be filed in the foreclosure action.
If a property owner or other necessary person is believed to be deceased, evidence of death must be filed with the court.
Court's wording
In any case where an owner of the subject property or any other necessary person required for just adjudication is believed to be deceased, evidence of death must be filed with the court via a death certificate or other reliable proof.
Before filing the complaint, the plaintiff must obtain pre-approval of the legal description and file the original stamped approved description with it.
Court's wording
(C) Legal Descriptions: Prior to the filing of the complaint, Plaintiff shall obtain the pre- approval of the legal description from the Lorain County Auditor’s Office Tax Map Department and shall file the original stamped “approved” description with the complaint. The clerk of courts shall not file any complaint that does not include a pre-approved legal description.
For vacant land without a street number, the judgment order’s address or “Commonly Known As” must identify it as vacant land and provide the specified road and intersection information.
Court's wording
If the property to be sold is vacant land and no street number exists, then the property address (or “Commonly Known As”) must state that it is vacant land and contain the name of the street or road upon which such property is located, together with the names of the streets or roads and the distances therefrom immediately north and south or east and west of such property that cross or intersect the street or road upon which it is located.
If such evidence is unavailable, then the person believed to be deceased must be named as well as his/her unknown heirs, devisees, next of kin, etc. and both shall be served according to the civil rules.
If the property owner(s) is/are deceased, then the unknown tenants, if any, of the subject property must be named as a party and service at the subject property must be attempted.
The approved legal description must accompany filings at every stage of the foreclosure case, or the document may be rejected.
Court's wording
Further, said approved legal description shall be submitted by Plaintiff, or by cross-complainant(s), at all stages in the foreclosure case (i.e., proposed Judgment Entry, Praecipe for Order of Sale, Confirmation Entry, Sheriff’s Deed, etc.). Failure to attach the stamped “approved” legal description shall be cause for rejection of said document for filing.
All pleadings requesting a decree in foreclosure shall contain the permanent parcel number(s) of the subject property below the case caption.
- Document
- Pleading
- Placement
- Caption
All judgment orders of foreclosure and sale shall contain the legal description of the property to be sold, together with the permanent parcel number and address, including zip code, if applicable.
Counsel for the party requesting execution shall submit a proposed journal entry confirming the sale and file a motion requesting the Court to confirm the sale, stating in the motion the date the sale was held,
If a property is being sold “subject to” a first mortgage, the party requesting the sale shall include in the praecipe for order of sale a payoff amount due to the first mortgage. Failure to do so will result in the order of sale being returned by the Sheriff without execution.
Praecipe for Order of Sale: In non-tax foreclosure matters, each praecipe to the clerk for an Order of Sale shall be accompanied by: 1) the bill or invoice for preparation of the preliminary and final judicial reports, if they are to be taxed as costs in the case;
The purchaser shall obtain a verification form from the Treasurer’s office to be delivered to the Sheriff’s civil division. No deeds will be issued without proper verification from the Treasurer’s office.
A cancellation motion must explain the reason for cancellation and include a receipt showing payment of costs.
Court's wording
The cancellation of a Sheriff’s sale shall be by written motion detailing the reason for cancellation, filed at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the date of sale, and include a copy of the receipt evidencing payment of costs. Failure to follow this rule may result in denial of the motion.
The motion must identify the person attempting to redeem and include a current address, phone number, and email address, if applicable.
The filed certificate of service must state the service date and manner and list the names and addresses of all interested parties who received notice.
Court's wording
Not less than fourteen (14) days prior to the scheduled sale date, the party who requested execution shall file with the Clerk of Courts a certificate of service of notice of sale date specifying the date and manner of service and the names and addresses of all interested parties who received notice.
The clerk of courts shall not issue an Order of Sale without reappraisal to the Sheriff unless the subject property has been previously appraised within the last twelve (12) months.
A submission for garnishment of personal earnings must include the listed cover sheet, motion, affidavits, notices, reports, praecipe, and specified copies.
Court's wording
The following items are required for submission of garnishment of personal earnings: (1) The security deposit for costs required by the clerk of courts. (2) A certification of compliance cover sheet signed by the attorney or authorized representative indicating the filing complies with this Rule. Copies of this form are available in the Civil Division of the clerk of courts. (3) A Motion for Order of Garnishment of Personal Earnings of Judgment Debtor. (4) Two (2) copies of the Affidavit of Judgment Creditor or Judgment Creditor’s attorney in accordance with Ohio Revised Code §2716.03, and one (1) copy of proof of service of written demand. (5) Four (4) copies of the Court Order and Notice of Garnishment. (6) Three (3) copies of the Notice to the Judgment Debtor. (7) Three (3) copies of the Request for Hearing Form. (8) Two (2) copies of the Interim Report and Answer of Garnishee. (9) One (1) copy of the Final Report and Answer of Garnishee; and (10) One (1) Praecipe for Garnishment of Personal Earnings.
The following items are required for submission of garnishment of property other than personal earnings: (1) The security deposit for costs required by the Clerk of Courts. (2) One Dollar ($1.00) check payable to the bank where funds are being garnished.
b. Two (2) copies of Notice to the Judgment Debtor.
(6) Four (4) copies of Order of Garnishment of Property and Answer of Garnishee.
(3) A certification of compliance cover sheet signed by the attorney or authorized representative indicating the filing complies with this Rule. Copies of this form are available in the Civil Division of the Clerk of Courts.
(4) Motion for Order of Garnishment of Property Other than Personal Earnings of Judgment Debtor.
(5) Affidavit of the judgment creditor or the judgment creditor’s attorney in accordance with Ohio Revised Code §2716.11 and the garnishee fee (separate from and not included in the deposit for filing) in accordance with Ohio R.C. 2716.12.
d. Praecipe for Garnishment of Property Other than Personal Earnings.
c. Two (2) copies of Request for Hearing form.
Unless the prior judge is unavailable, an amended search-warrant application following a denial must be presented to that same judge and include any additional factual allegations supporting probable cause.
Court's wording
(B) If an application for a search warrant has been previously presented to a judge authorized by law to issue the warrant and has been denied, then, unless the previous judge is unavailable, an amended application, with any additional factual allegations supporting probable cause to issue the warrant shall be presented to the same judge.
(A) In any application to obtain a search warrant, pursuant to Ohio Crim. R. 41, the applicant must swear or affirm in his/her supporting affidavit that an application seeking to conduct the same search has not been previously presented to and been denied by a judge authorized by law to issue a warrant to search.
(A) Pursuant to Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct 1.16(c), leave of court must be obtained before an attorney may withdraw from employment in pending litigation unless new counsel files a Notice of Appearance or Substitution of Counsel.
Requests to be placed on the court’s-maintained list of court appointed counsels shall be submitted to the court administrator’s office. Requests and the necessary documentation for qualifications shall be updated yearly by counsel.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Beginning December 8, 2025, attorneys must use the court’s e-filing system, and counsel of record and self-represented litigants must register to manage case documents in designated case types.
Effective December 8, 2025, all attorneys shall use the court’s e-filing system. Counsel of record and self-represented litigants are required to register with the e- file system to file, serve, receive, review, and retrieve copies of all case documents, including orders, notices, pleadings, or other documents submitted in designated case types.
Page 16 | Rule 16(C)(1)
The clerk will not accept fax filings, except for CVSPOs and DVCPOs.
Fax filings will no longer be accepted by the clerk of courts, except for Civil Stalking Protection Orders (CVSPOs) and Domestic Violence Civil Protection Orders (DVCPOs).
Page 16 | Rule 16(C)(4)
Counsel filing documents in mandatory e-file case types must be registered users of the e-filing system.
All counsel filing documents in case types designated as mandatory e-file case types shall be registered users in the e-filing system.
Page 16 | Rule 16(D)(1)
Registered users must use their assigned unique identifier for e-file system functions and are responsible for its security and use.
The court’s e-file system shall assign an individual who has registered pursuant to Subsection IV, a confidential and unique electronic identifier that shall be used to file, serve, review, retrieve e-filed pleadings, orders, and other documents in the case. Each person to whom a unique identifier has been assigned shall be responsible for the security and use of such identifier.
Page 17 | Confidential and Unique Electronic Identifier
Documents larger than 70 MB must be filed on paper with the clerk of courts.
Documents that exceed 70 MB must be filed in paper form with the clerk of courts.
Page 17 | Size of Filing
Ex-parte CSPO petitions must be filed in person during regular business hours.
Ex-parte Petitions for Civil Stalking Protection Orders may only be filed in person during the court’s regular business hours.
Page 19 | (I)(2) Submission
Documents requiring a filing deposit or fee must be filed like other e-filed documents, and the e-file system accepts electronic payment.
(M) Collection of Filing Deposit and Fees: (1) Any document requiring payment of a filing deposit or fee to the clerk in order to achieve valid filing status shall be filed in the same manner as any other e-Filed document. The e-file system accepts payment of deposits and fees electronically.
Page 21 | (M) Collection of Filing Deposit and Fees
Neither attorneys nor self-represented litigants may e-file a Civil Protection Order petition remotely.
Neither attorneys nor self-represented litigants can e-file remotely the Petition for a Civil Protection Orders.
Page 21 | (L)(1)(d) Civil Protection Orders
The listed document types must be filed conventionally rather than electronically unless the court expressly requires electronic filing.
(L) Exceptions to E-File: (1) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following types of documents shall be filed conventionally, unless expressly required to be filed electronically by the court: a. Documents Under Seal: A party shall file a document to be sealed only after an order sealing that document has been signed and journalized. The sealed documents will not be e-filed but physically presented to the clerk’s office along with a copy of the signed order. b. Documents to be presented to the Court for an in-camera review: Any document submitted for an in-camera inspection shall be submitted to the assigned judge or magistrate outside of the e-filing system. c. Exhibits and Transcripts: Any exhibit, transcript, or other documents that may not be comprehensibly viewed in PDF format shall be submitted in their physical form with the court. d. Civil Protection Orders: Neither attorneys nor self-represented litigants can e-file remotely the Petition for a Civil Protection Orders. e. Subpoenas which are to be issued by the Clerk. f. Documents initiating an appeal in the Ninth District Court of Appeals: Notices of appeal, docketing statements, or other contemporaneous pleadings to initiate an appeal shall not be e-filed. g. Garnishments. h. Lien filings or releases. i. Making, filing, or releasing a certificate of judgment. j. Any document required to be certified or authenticated. k. Any pleadings or filing that requires a deposit for costs for witness fees. l. Subpoenas to attend court proceedings as a witness.
Page 21 | (L) Exceptions to E-File
Documents may be filed on paper with the clerk during any technical failure or system outage.
(3) Documents may be filed in paper form with the clerk during any technical failure or system outage.
Page 22 | (N) User Filing Errors and Technical Failures
A filer cannot change a document after e-filing submission; the clerk may reject an erroneous submission during review, and only the court may strike it after acceptance.
(1) A filer cannot make changes to a document once it has been submitted for e- filing. If the clerk determines during review that the document was submitted in error, it may reject the filing. If, after the document offered in error has been accepted for filing after Clerk Review, the document may only be stricken from the Court Electronic Record by the court.
Page 22 | (N) User Filing Errors and Technical Failures
A party or counsel without internet access may use the clerk’s public access terminal to register and e-file documents.
If a party or counsel of record does not have internet access, the party or counsel of record may use the clerk’s public access terminal to register to use the court’s e-file system and to e-file documents.
Page 16 | Rule 16(C)(2)
Any filing other than an ex-parte CSPO petition may be e-filed with the Clerk at any time.
Submission: With the exception of ex-parte Civil Stalking Protection Orders (CSPO), any filing may be e-filed with the Clerk 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Page 19 | (I)(2) Submission
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
The parties must dismiss a settled case by the earlier of 60 days or the time stated in the settlement-notice entry; the Court may dismiss it administratively if they do not.
If the parties fail to dismiss a settled case within the earlier of 60 days or the time noted in the entry that gave the Court notice of the settlement, then the Court may dismiss the case administratively.
Civil cases
Page 2 | ADMINISTRATIVE DISMISSAL
The summons must include the juror’s candidate number, term of service, and questionnaire, which must be returned within four days prior to the service date.
The summons shall include the juror’s candidate number, term of service and a questionnaire which is to be returned within four (4) days prior to service date.
Page 10 | Rule 11 – Petit Jury
The required security-for-costs deposit in a qualifying transferred case is due within 10 days of docketing.
(B) For cases transferred to this court in which the demand of the cross-claim and/or counter- claim exceeds the monetary jurisdiction of the municipal court, the cross-claimant and/or counter-claimant shall post security for costs in a sum equal to the amount required if the case were originally filed in this court within 10 days of docketing the case.
Page 14 | Rule 14 - Security for Costs
A filing deadline falling on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday runs until the end of the next day that is not one of those days.
Nothing in this Order alters the provision of Civ.R. 6 that filing deadlines on a Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday will run to the end of the following day, which is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday.
Page 18 | Time, Effect, and Process of e-filing — E-filing System
The e-filing system acts as the clerk’s agent for electronic filing, receipt, service, and retrieval, and an electronically submitted document is not filed until the clerk accepts it at review.
The e-filing system is hereby appointed the agent of the clerk of courts for purposes of electronic filing, receipt, service, and retrieval of electronic documents. Any document submitted electronically to the court will not be considered filed until accepted at clerk review.
Page 18 | Time, Effect, and Process of e-filing — E-filing System
A rejected submission is not part of the court record and must be corrected and resubmitted; the resubmission date becomes the new filing date.
If the submission is rejected, the document shall not become part of the court record and the filer shall be required to re-submit the document, correcting any errors denoted in the e-filing portal. c. When a document is re-submitted after the filer has corrected any errors, the resubmission date will be the new filing date.
Page 19 | (I)(4)(b)-(c) Clerk Review
An accepted submission is docketed and filed.
If the submission is accepted, the document shall be docketed and filed.
Page 19 | (I)(4)(a) Clerk Review
An accepted submission is deemed filed upon acceptance, and its official timestamp is the date and time it was submitted to the e-file system.
Upon acceptance, the submission shall be deemed filed and shall receive an electronic stamp that includes the date and time that the filer submitted the document to the court’s e-file system. The date and time the filing was submitted shall be the official timestamp of the document. Once accepted, the document will be deemed filed for purposes of Ohio Law and relevant Rules of Court Procedure.
Page 19 | (I)(5) Official Time Stamp
The joint pretrial statement must be filed at least seven days before the final pretrial.
All parties shall file a joint statement at least seven (7) days prior to the final pre-trial, setting forth the following:
Page 25 | Rule 21 – Civil Case Management Procedure (B)
The trial witness list is due no later than 14 days before the final pretrial, unless the assigned judge specifies otherwise.
All parties are required to submit a trial witness list, including the full name and address of all witnesses expected to testify at the trial on their behalf, no later than fourteen (14) days prior to the final pre-trial, unless otherwise specified by the judge to whom the case is assigned.
Page 26 | Rule 22 – Trials (A)
The sheriff must make the return to the court within 10 days of the sale.
Within ten (10) days of the date of sale, the Sheriff shall make his return to the Court.
Page 30 | Rule 26 - Judicial Sale, (A)(2) Sheriff’s Return
When a file goes on hold for loss mitigation or the parties enter a loss mitigation agreement, the plaintiff or other party pursuing affirmative claims must notify the court within 14 days; the court may stay the case, and failure to notify may result in dismissal.
If a foreclosing party’s file goes on hold for loss mitigation review or the parties enter into a loss mitigation agreement, such as a trial modification or repayment plan or other settlement resolution, the Plaintiff or other party pursuing affirmative claims must notify the court within fourteen (14) days of the file going on hold or entering into the agreement, at which point the court may stay the case. Failure to notify the court may result in a dismissal of the cause of action.
Page 30 | Loss Mitigation
A cancellation motion must state the reason, include proof of payment of costs, and be filed at least twenty-four hours before the sale.
The cancellation of a Sheriff’s sale shall be by written motion detailing the reason for cancellation, filed at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the date of sale, and include a copy of the receipt evidencing payment of costs. Failure to follow this rule may result in denial of the motion.
Page 31
An eligible person may file a motion to redeem after the sale but before the confirmation entry is filed and must pay the appropriate security deposit with the motion.
After a judicial sale has been conducted but before the entry of confirmation has been filed, the debtor or other person entitled to redeem the property may file a motion to redeem with the clerk of courts, along with paying the appropriate security deposit.
Page 32 | All Judicial Sales
At least fourteen days before the sale, the party requesting execution must file a certificate stating when and how notice was served and identifying the interested parties who received it.
Not less than fourteen (14) days prior to the scheduled sale date, the party who requested execution shall file with the Clerk of Courts a certificate of service of notice of sale date specifying the date and manner of service and the names and addresses of all interested parties who received notice. Failure to timely file the certificate of service required by this rule may constitute grounds for denial of the confirmation of sale.
Page 32 | All Judicial Sales
Depositions and the specified discovery requests and responses must not be filed until used in the proceeding or the court orders their filing.
(E) Discovery papers: The following discovery requests and responses shall not be filed until they are used in the proceeding, or the court orders its filing: depositions, interrogatories, requests for documents or tangible things or to permit entry on land, and requests for admissions.
Page 14 | Rule 15 - Form of Pleadings
The clerk reviews filings for each case type in submission date-and-time order, except for ex parte filings and filings that statute or procedure requires to be processed the same day.
The clerk will review filings by date and time submitted for each case type, with the exception of ex-parte filings or filings that must be processed the same day of filing by statute or procedure.
Page 18 | Time, Effect, and Process of e-filing — E-filing System
Filings submitted on weekends or legal holidays are not reviewed until the next business day.
Filings submitted on Saturday, Sunday, or other legal holidays will not be reviewed until the next business day.
Page 19 | (I)(5) Official Time Stamp
The e-File system issues a receipt confirmation showing the date and time received, which serves as proof of receipt.
Upon receipt, the court’s e-File system shall issue confirmation that the submission has been received. The confirmation shall include the date and time of receipt and serve as proof of receipt.
Page 19 | (I)(3) Receipt of Submission
If a system error prevents receipt, the Court may, upon satisfactory proof, permit filing nunc pro tunc to the submission date.
If a submission is not received by the Court because of a System Error, the Court may, upon satisfactory proof, enter an order permitting the document to be filed nunc pro tunc to the date it was submitted.
Page 19 | (I)(6) System Errors
The failure to submit a confirmation order within the time provided may result in sanctions, including any damages, costs or fees incurred by the purchasing party.
The failure to submit a confirmation order within the time provided may result in sanctions, including any damages, costs or fees incurred by the purchasing party.
Page 31
An attorney may request referral to mediation at any time after the Answer is filed.
At any time after the Answer is filed, an attorney may request the referral of a case to mediation.
Page 1 | Attorney Referral to Mediation
The parties may move to refer the case to mediation any time after the Answer has been filed.
Anytime after the Answer has been filed, the parties can file a motion to have the case referred to mediation.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Attorney Referral to Mediation
Outages will be posted on the court’s website if possible, and the court may deem a transmission-error filing filed when submitted upon satisfactory proof, but filers should not assume that relief is available for jurisdictional deadlines.
(2) Technical failures or system outages of the e-filing system or the CMS will be posted on the court’s website, if possible. If a document offered electronically for filing is not filed because of an error in the transmission of the document to the e- filing system, the court may, upon satisfactory proof from the filer, enter an order permitting the document to be deemed filed as of the date and time it was electronically submitted. Filers should not, however, assume that such relief will be available on jurisdictional time limits, such as deadlines for appeal or statutes of limitation.
Page 22 | (N) User Filing Errors and Technical Failures
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Petit juror summonses must be delivered by ordinary mail.
The petit juror summons shall be delivered by ordinary mail.
Page 10 | Rule 11 – Petit Jury
Registered users expressly assent to email as the default service method for all documents except complaints.
A Registered User, by virtue of his/her registration with the e-filing system, expressly assents to service by email as the default method of service for all documents except complaints.
Page 16 | Rule 16(B)(12)
Counsel must continue to comply with the Civil Rules governing service on opposing parties and counsel.
Counsel is still expected to comply with the Civil Rules regarding service upon opposing parties/counsel.
Page 19 | (J) Service
In an e-file case, the filing party must serve all other parties, electronically serving registered users through the court’s authorized e-filing system.
Subject to the exceptions listed in this subsection, it shall be the responsibility of the filing party to serve all filings on all other parties in an e-file case. The filing party shall make service upon all other registered users of the e-filing system electronically via the court’s authorized e-filing system. Parties, or their designated counsel, shall receive all documents electronically filed and electronically served upon them via access to the e-Filing System.
Page 19 | (J) Service
After an order or entry is signed and filed, the Court or Clerk serves copies through the e-filing system unless another service method is indicated.
After the order or entry has been signed and filed, the court or clerk shall serve copies of all entries and orders through the e-filing system unless service is indicated to be completed in another manner.
Page 20 | (J)(3)(c) Documents Filed Subsequent to Complaint
A nonregistered party is entitled to a paper copy, which the filing party must print and mail to the party’s last known address after notice of acceptance.
A party who is not a registered user of the e-filing system is entitled to a paper copy of an electronically filed document. The filing party shall serve the non-registered party with the document in accordance with the applicable rules of the court. Upon notification that a document has been accepted for e-filing, the filing party shall print out a copy of the e- file document and mail it to the non-registered user at the user’s last known address.
Page 20 | (J)(3)(b) Documents Filed Subsequent to Complaint
Unless the assigned judge signs permission to defer summons service for a specific period, service instructions for the listed pleadings must state a method under Civ. R. 4 et seq., and the Clerk processes service under the applicable rules.
Unless an attorney or party has obtained permission signed by the assigned judge to defer service of summons for a specific period of time, the instructions for service filed with the original complaint or any counterclaim, cross-claim, or third-party complaint shall indicate a method of service pursuant to Civ. R. 4, et seq. The clerk shall issue summons and process the method of service in accordance with the Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure and the Ohio Rules of Juvenile Procedure when applicable.
Page 20 | (J)(2)(b) Service of Original Complaint and Related Documents
For a registered user, the Notice of Electronic Filing delivered to the user’s account constitutes service of the document.
When a document is filed in accordance with these procedures, the e-filing system will generate a “Notice of Electronic Filing,” to the filing party and any other party who is a registered user of the e-filing system. If the recipient is a registered user, the “Notice of Electronic Filing” delivered to the user’s e-filing account shall constitute service of that document upon that party in accordance with the applicable rules of the court.
Page 20 | (J)(3)(d) Documents Filed Subsequent to Complaint
Electronic service does not replace the service methods required by the applicable Rules of Procedure.
E-Service shall not replace the methods of service of pleadings prescribed in the applicable Rules of Procedure.
Page 20 | (J)(2)(c) Service of Original Complaint and Related Documents
The filer must serve documents filed after the original complaint on all parties or their attorneys and provide proof of service under Civ.R. 5(B)(2).
The filer, not the clerk, shall be responsible for serving all documents filed subsequent to the original complaint on all parties or their attorneys. Proof of service of all documents required or permitted to be served shall be made in compliance with Civ.R. 5(B)(2).
Page 20 | (J)(3)(a) Documents Filed Subsequent to Complaint
When evidence of death is unavailable, the believed-deceased person and the listed unknown successors must be served according to the civil rules.
If such evidence is unavailable, then the person believed to be deceased must be named as well as his/her unknown heirs, devisees, next of kin, etc. and both shall be served according to the civil rules.
Page 29 | Case Management
If the property owner is deceased, service on any unknown tenants must be attempted at the subject property.
If the property owner(s) is/are deceased, then the unknown tenants, if any, of the subject property must be named as a party and service at the subject property must be attempted.
Page 29 | Case Management
Unless the court orders otherwise, the plaintiff or any party with a pending claim must complete service on all parties despite loss mitigation.
Unless otherwise ordered by the court, Plaintiff or any party with a pending claim shall complete service upon all parties even if loss mitigation is in place or the claim may be subject to dismissal.
Page 30 | Loss Mitigation
A party serving by publication must ensure that proof of publication is filed with the clerk.
If a party completes service by publication, that party is responsible for ensuring that proof of publication is filed with the clerk.
Page 30 | Publication
Copies must be mailed to all parties or their counsel within fourteen days after the sale.
copies to all parties or their counsel by regular U.S. mail, no later than fourteen (14) days following the day on which the sale was held.
Page 31
The party requesting execution must promptly mail sale details to the record owners and other interested parties not in default, with an exception for owners originally served solely by publication.
The party who requested execution shall promptly mail notice of the time, date and location of the sheriff’s sale to the record owner(s) of the subject real estate and to all other interested parties not in default for failure to appear, or their counsel of record, at their respective last known addresses. The record owner(s) of the real estate shall be noticed by mail in all cases whether or not in default for failure to appear, except when said owners were originally served with summons solely by publication.
Page 32 | All Judicial Sales
The filing party receives no service-receipt confirmation and must ensure the correct parties are served at the correct electronic addresses.
No confirmation of receipt will be sent to the filing party, so it is the responsibility of the filing party to ensure the correct parties are served at the correct electronic addresses.
Page 19 | (J) Service
Sharing mediation briefs with the other parties is strongly recommended unless confidentiality is essential.
Unless confidentiality is essential, sharing those briefs with the other parties is strongly recommended.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Documents to Submit to Mediator Prior to Mediation
Filing Fees and Waivers
A person claiming indigency must file an in forma pauperis application with an affidavit explaining the inability to prepay costs, and the affidavit is subject to court review at any stage.
(C) In the event of claimed indigency, the indigent person shall file an application to proceed in forma pauperis, accompanied by a supporting affidavit. The affidavit shall state the reasons for the inability to prepay costs and is subject to court review at any stage of the proceedings, as set forth in ORC 2323.311.
Page 14 | Rule 14 - Security for Costs
Unless otherwise provided by law, a civil action or proceeding may not be accepted for filing until the required security-for-costs deposit is made, and the court may require additional funds.
(A) Unless otherwise provided for by law, no civil action or proceeding shall be accepted by the Lorain County Clerk of Courts for filing unless the party or parties offering same for filing shall have first deposited a sum to secure the payment of costs that may accrue in such action or proceedings. Such advance deposit shall be in accordance with the schedule approved by the court and prepared and published by the clerk of courts. The court may also order the deposit of additional funds depending on the nature of the case.
Page 14 | Rule 14 - Security for Costs
In qualifying transferred cases, a cross-claimant or counter-claimant must post the required security for costs within 10 days of docketing.
(B) For cases transferred to this court in which the demand of the cross-claim and/or counter- claim exceeds the monetary jurisdiction of the municipal court, the cross-claimant and/or counter-claimant shall post security for costs in a sum equal to the amount required if the case were originally filed in this court within 10 days of docketing the case.
Page 14 | Rule 14 - Security for Costs
An electronically filed document requiring a fee may be rejected unless the filer pays the fee or requests a waiver under Subsection M.
Any document filed electronically that requires a filing fee may be rejected by the clerk unless the filer has paid or requested a waiver of the filing fee in accordance with Subsection M.
Page 16 | Rule 16(C)(3)
The praecipe must include a check or money order payable to the relevant Lorain County newspaper for the legal advertisement, with the newspaper and payment amount determined by the Sheriff’s Department schedule.
a check or money order made payable to the Lorain County newspaper of general circulation in which the legal advertisement for sale of the subject property is to run. The choice of newspaper and amount of payment for the legal advertisement shall be based upon a schedule developed by and available from the Lorain County Sheriff’s Department, Civil Office.
Page 30 | Rule 26 - Judicial Sale, (A)(1) Praecipe for Order of Sale
For initial praecipes filed on or after October 1, 2020, a one-time per-case online auction management system license fee is required and taxed as a case cost.
effective with all initial praecipes filed on or after October 1, 2020, the one-time per case license fee for the online auction management system pursuant to ORC 2329.153 as set forth in the schedule of deposits and fees maintained by the Clerk of Courts, which shall be taxed as costs in the case;
Page 30 | Rule 26 - Judicial Sale, (A)(1) Praecipe for Order of Sale
The clerk must send the advertisement payment with the order of sale to the sheriff, who forwards it to the newspaper, and the clerk must reject non-tax foreclosure praecipes lacking that payment.
The Clerk shall issue the Order of Sale to the Sheriff, accompanied by the check or money order required to pay for the legal advertisement. The Sheriff shall forward said payment directly to the appropriate newspaper upon placing the legal advertisement. The Clerk is instructed to reject for filing any praecipes for Orders of Sale in non-tax foreclosure matters that are not accompanied by the required payment for the legal advertisement.
Page 30 | Rule 26 - Judicial Sale, (A)(1) Praecipe for Order of Sale
All costs and fees must be paid in full before a Sheriff’s sale may be cancelled, except in bankruptcy cases.
Except in the case of bankruptcy, no Sheriff’s sale will be cancelled prior to all costs and fees being paid in full.
Page 31
A garnishment of property other than personal earnings must include a one-dollar check payable to the bank where the funds are being garnished.
One Dollar ($1.00) check payable to the bank where funds are being garnished.
Page 32 | Rule 27 - Garnishments
A security deposit for costs required by the clerk of courts must be submitted with a garnishment of personal earnings.
The security deposit for costs required by the clerk of courts.
Page 32 | Rule 27 - Garnishments
The garnishee fee must be provided separately from, and is not included in, the filing deposit.
(5) Affidavit of the judgment creditor or the judgment creditor’s attorney in accordance with Ohio Revised Code §2716.11 and the garnishee fee (separate from and not included in the deposit for filing) in accordance with Ohio R.C. 2716.12.
Page 33
Filing deposits and fees may be paid electronically through the e-file system.
The e-file system accepts payment of deposits and fees electronically.
Page 21 | (M) Collection of Filing Deposit and Fees
Appraisal fees are based on the Auditor’s last tax appraisal and the fee schedule on file with the clerk of courts.
Appraisal fees shall be based on the Auditor’s last tax appraisal of the property as shown by his duplicates and be scaled in accordance with the schedule on file with the clerk of courts.
Page 32 | All Judicial Sales
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
Filers must omit personal and confidential information unless it is necessary and relevant or is submitted separately, such as in a secure personal identifier information sheet.
The filer shall not include personal and confidential information in any document filed with the court unless such inclusion is necessary and relevant to the case or unless it is filed as a separate document – such as the personal identifier information sheet, which is a secure document not subject to public
Page 20 | (K)(2) Personal and Confidential Information in Documents with the Clerk
A sealed document may be filed only after the sealing order is signed and journalized, and it must be physically presented to the clerk with a copy of the signed order.
A party shall file a document to be sealed only after an order sealing that document has been signed and journalized. The sealed documents will not be e-filed but physically presented to the clerk’s office along with a copy of the signed order.
Page 21 | (L) Exceptions to E-File
When necessary personal or confidential information is included, the filer must redact identifying numbers except for their last four digits, use only a minor’s initials, and replace other personal or confidential information with “[REDACTED].”
(3) Redaction: If personal and confidential information is necessary and must be included in a document, the filer shall redact the personal and confidential information from the document in the following manner: a. For social security numbers, financial account numbers, or other personal identification numbers, all but the last four digits of the number shall be redacted. b. For minors, only the child’s initials shall be included. c. For any other personal or confidential information, the information shall be replaced with “[REDACTED].”
Page 21 | Redaction
Personal and confidential information that must be included in entries and orders must be redacted using the procedures in the subsection.
(5) Entries and Orders: Personal and confidential information required to be included in entries and orders shall be redacted in the manner set forth in this subsection.
Page 21 | Entries and Orders
The filer is responsible and liable for redacting personal and confidential information; the clerk is not responsible for reviewing documents for compliance.
(4) Responsible Party: The filer is responsible and liable for redacting personal and confidential information. It is not the responsibility of the clerk to review each document for compliance with this Order.
Page 21 | Responsible Party
Mediator-maintained files and documents provided to the mediator that were not filed with a clerk or submitted to the court are not available for public access.
(4) No Access to Mediation Files: The files maintained by a mediator and documents provided to the mediator by a party but not filed with a clerk or submitted to the court will not be available for public access pursuant to Sup.R. 44 through 47.
Page 27 | Mediation Privilege, Confidentiality, No Public Access
Mediation communications are confidential and may not be disclosed without the consent of all parties and the mediator, subject to the stated statutory and other exceptions.
(2) Confidentiality: Except as provided in R.C. 121.22 and 149.43, mediation communications are confidential to the extent provided by the Ohio Revised Code. No one shall disclose any of these communications unless all parties and the mediator consent to disclosure. Disputes regarding confidentiality should first be addressed with the mediator or mediation department where possible. By participating in mediation, a nonparty participant, as defined by R.C. 2710.01(D), submits to the Court’s jurisdiction to the extent necessary for enforcement of this rule. Any nonparty participant shall have the same rights and duties under this rule as are attributed to parties, except that no evidence privilege shall be expanded. (3) Exceptions: All mediations communications are confidential with the following exceptions: a. Parties may share all mediation communications with their attorneys. b. Certain threats of abuse or neglect of a child or an adult. c. Statements made during the mediation process to plan or hide an ongoing crime; and d. Statements made during the mediation process that reveal a felony.
Page 27 | Mediation Privilege, Confidentiality, No Public Access
One copy may contain the judgment debtor’s complete, unredacted personal identifiers, but it should be clearly marked and, if provided, must be issued only to the garnishee and not retained in the court file.
a. One (1) copy of the Order of Garnishment of Property and Answer of Garnishee may include Judgment Debtor’s complete, unredacted personal identifiers. This copy should be clearly marked to distinguish it from the original filing and three (3) other copies. Any such copy, if provided, shall be issued to the Garnishee only and not retained in the Court file as part of the record.
Page 33
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Before proceeding with a mediation referral, the referring attorney must obtain the other attorneys’ agreement and multiple dates that work for all parties.
Obtain the agreement of the other attorneys for the referral to mediation and multiple dates that work for all parties.
Page 1 | Attorney Referral to Mediation
For motions covered by Rule 18, an opposing party may file an opposition within 14 days after the motion is filed, any reply is due seven days after the opposition is filed, and the motion is then submitted for ruling; motions are decided without an oral hearing unless otherwise ordered, and court-discretionary motions are excluded.
All motions shall be accompanied by a brief stating the grounds thereof and citing the authorities relied upon. The opposing party may file a brief in opposition within 14 days after the day on which the motion was filed and any reply brief shall be filed seven (7) days after the filing of the brief in opposition. Thereafter, the motion shall be deemed submitted for ruling. Unless otherwise ordered by the court, motions will be decided without an oral hearing. (B) This rule does not apply to court-discretionary motions which include, but are not limited to, motions for leave to plead, motions for extensions of time and motions to continue.
Page 24 | RULE 18 - MOTIONS OTHER THAN SUMMARY JUDGMENT
For summary-judgment motions, opposition briefs are due within 28 days after the motion is filed, and reply briefs are due within 7 days after an opposition brief is filed.
As provided in Civ.R. 56, any brief in opposition shall be filed within twenty-eight (28) days of the filing of the motion for summary judgment. Reply briefs shall be filed within seven (7) days of the filing of any brief in opposition.
Page 25 | Rule 19 – Motions for Summary Judgment (A)
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Continuances require good cause; pending motions do not constitute good cause unless the Court authorizes otherwise, and mediation must be schedulable before the final pretrial.
Continuances shall be granted only for good cause shown. Except as authorized by the Court, the existence of pending motions shall not be good cause for a continuance and no continuance will be granted unless the mediation can be scheduled prior to the final pretrial.
Civil cases
Page 1 | CONTINUANCES
A continuance requires good cause and will not be granted unless mediation can be scheduled before the final pretrial, unless the Court orders otherwise.
(D) Continuances: Continuances will be granted only for good cause shown. No continuance will be granted unless the mediation can be scheduled prior to the final pretrial unless otherwise ordered by the Court.
Page 27 | Continuances
Substituting or adding counsel does not continue previously scheduled dates; separate leave of court is required for a continuance.
The substitution or addition of new counsel will not result in the continuance of any previously scheduled dates without separate leave of court.
Page 36 | RULE 30 - WITHDRAWAL OF COUNSEL FROM CASES
Continuances of criminal hearings and trials must comply with Sup.R. 41.
(A) Continuances of hearings and trials in criminal cases shall be in accordance with Sup.R. 41.
Page 36 | RULE 31 – TRIALS
Jury service may be postponed under the cited statutes; commissioners may defer service to a certain week if it is completed within the juror’s one-year term, and deferral requests must be written or recorded and retained.
A person may have their jury service postponed in accordance with R.C. 2313.14 or R.C. 2313.15. The court delegates authority to the jury commissioners to grant deferrals for jury service to a week certain, providing that the service is fulfilled in the one-year continuous term in which the juror was summoned. All requests for deferral shall be made in writing or recorded by the jury commissioners and retained pursuant to the records retention schedule on file in the administrative office of the Court of Common Pleas.
Page 9 | Rule 11 – Petit Jury
The court may modify the stated time periods, page limitations, and whether reply briefs are permitted for good cause, on either party’s written application or on its own motion.
The time periods set forth herein, page limitations, and whether or not reply briefs will be permitted, may be modified by the court, for good cause shown, upon written application by either party or upon the court’s own motion.
Page 24 | RULE 18 - MOTIONS OTHER THAN SUMMARY JUDGMENT
Continuances of civil hearings and trials must comply with Sup.R. 41.
Continuances of hearings and trials in civil cases shall be in accordance with Sup.R. 41.
Page 26 | Rule 22 – Trials (B)
Substituting or adding counsel does not continue scheduled dates; separate leave of court is required for a continuance, except that leave for withdrawal is not required when new counsel files a Notice of Appearance or Substitution of Counsel.
Pursuant to Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct 1.16(c), leave of court must be obtained before an attorney may withdraw from employment in pending litigation unless new counsel files a Notice of Appearance or Substitution of Counsel. The substitution or addition of new counsel will not result in the continuance of any previously scheduled dates without separate leave of court.
Page 26 | Rule 23 – Withdrawal of Counsel from Cases (A)
Chambers Communication Rules
If the specified relationship and domestic-abuse conditions apply, the parties or their counsel must disclose that information to mediation staff.
If the opposing parties to any case have either resided in a common residence or are related by blood, adoption, or marriage (or have been married), and have known or alleged domestic abuse at any time prior to the mediation, then the parties or their counsel have a duty to disclose such information to the mediation staff.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Order of Referral to Mediation
Counsel or a mediation party must promptly inform the mediator and assigned Judge if they learn that an unjoined person or entity whose consent is required to resolve the dispute has been identified.
If counsel or any mediation party becomes aware of the identity of a person or entity whose consent is required to resolve the dispute, but who has not yet been joined as a party in the pleadings, they shall promptly inform the mediator as well as the assigned Judge of such fact.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Order of Referral to Mediation
The referring attorney must confirm available dates with the Mediation Office.
The referring attorney confirms available dates with the Mediation Office.
Page 1 | Attorney Referral to Mediation
Requests for permission to record, broadcast, televise, or photograph courtroom proceedings must be made in writing to the presiding judge or the judge’s designated courtroom employee.
Requests for permission to broadcast, televise, record, or take photographs in the courtroom shall be in writing to the Judge presiding over the matter or the judge’s designated courtroom employee.
Page 11 | Rule 13 - Recording, Broadcasting and Photographing Court Proceedings
When the stated relationship and domestic-abuse conditions apply, the parties and counsel must disclose that information to the Mediation Office and participate in required screening.
If the opposing parties to any case have either resided in a common residence or are related by blood, adoption, or marriage, and have known or alleged domestic abuse at any time prior to the mediation, then the parties and their counsel have a duty to disclose such information to the Mediation Office and have a duty to participate in any screening required by local rule and by the Supreme Court of Ohio’s Rules of Superintendence Rule 16.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Special Considerations
Attorneys must notify the court when their status or contact information changes.
Attorneys are under an ongoing obligation to notify the court of changes in their status and contact information.
Page 37 | RULE 32 - APPOINTED COUNSEL
An attorney must advise the mediator if their client is or has been a victim of domestic violence involving another party to the case.
If you are or have been a victim of domestic violence with any other party to the case, your attorney must advise the mediator.
Page 2 | Duty to Disclose
If you do not have an attorney, please call the Mediation Office prior to the mediation.
If you do not have an attorney, please call the Mediation Office prior to the mediation.
Page 2 | Duty to Disclose
If you determine that readiness is unlikely, please call the Mediation Office immediately.
If you determine that readiness is unlikely, please call the Mediation Office immediately.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Recommended Level of Discovery
Expert reports should be faxed to the Mediation Office, and reports and damage summaries are recommended several weeks before mediation.
Expert reports should be faxed to the Mediation Office. A summary of the damages is also helpful. We recommend that those reports and summaries be sent several weeks prior to the mediation so that the Mediator will have time to review those materials.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Documents to Submit to Mediator Prior to Mediation